Wednesday, July 9, 2025 Travel Day. I travel from Asheville NC and Kevin from the Charlottesville VA area. Because Delta has cut service to our airport after Hurricane Helene, got up a 0130 to drive to Charlotte for a 6 am non-stop. Traveling with my dog Maisie, I don't like to change planes. Kevin and I met up at MSP and headed out. We used an outfitter this year that we had never used before. This outfitter shall remain un-named to protect the guilty. We arrived and started going over the gear. There are many terms I could use but I will go with disgraceful. I have nothing but good things to say about previous outfitters I have used over the past 15 years but this was not good. They knew our route and we were 2 older guys who travel light and single portage. First thing out of the bag was the tent--a four person monstrosity of around 10 pounds. We asked for a 3 person. They don't have those so we went with a 2 person. On the trail, this turned out to be entry level cub scout tent with no vestibules which needed some seam sealing. Next out was the cook kit. One pot looked as if someone has used the base for BB gun target practice as it had so many dents. Next was the personal gear bag. It was too small. We asked for a number 4. He went in and came out with a very old cammo bag with no lifting handles and a mis-matched hip belt. He gave us the same bag liner which was for a much smaller bag. We asked for the right sized liner and he had the nerve to say that it was the right size. Really disgusted by this time. Hopped in the car and drove to Spirit of the Wilderness (who we know and love from prior visits) and Steve hooked us up with a brand new Granite Gear Superior 1 (with the correct sized liner) for $42 for the week. Went back and packed. I will say the food was good and appropriate in serving sizes and snacks. Rain report for the preceding week was 2.5 inches which did not bode well for the big portage.